Baraza

Baraza has been conceptualized as a Goan house that is opened out to become a watering hole. The idea behind the design was to create a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day, creating a ‘destination’ that immediately transports you to another place. The place channels in the relaxed and laid-back vibe of Goan bars or Tavernas, where you don’t feel the pressure to dress up, and, which becomes a second home where you habitually meet your friends for drinks.

Most Goan ‘Portuguese’ houses are an amalgamation of European and Indian aesthetics, and filled to the brim with antiques, interesting curios and knick-knacks. Elements like the country-tiled ceiling, eaves board, the wrought iron grills and beautifully patterned tiles (azulejos) have been incorporated in the design. The walls serve as displays for collectibles and curios. Vintage furniture and light elements add to the overall mood of the space. The bright and colourful external wall frescos are inspired from the tiled facades of houses in Portugal, and are reminiscent of the colourful houses dotting the streets in Fontainhas, Panjim. The outdoor area comprises of a semi-open verandah that overlooks a beautiful tropical garden. Picnic benches, wrought-iron grills converted to long communal seating tables under vintage lamp-posts and an original Volkswagen Bus bar, serve up a happy ambience. The space strives to offer a variable experience to the user every time they visit, keeping it familiar, yet fresh.

Overall, it can be described as an eclectic space that offers diverse experiences under one roof. It is designed as a fresh take on old-world charm, that is bound to induce nostalgia, yet is modern at the same time.